What Affects the Cost of Skirting Boards?
Skirting board prices vary depending on material, profile complexity, height, length, and whether the boards come factory-primed or unprimed. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and choose the best option for your project.
Skirting Board Prices by Material
MDF Skirting Boards
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is the most popular choice for skirting boards in UK homes and is the most cost-effective option for most projects. Moisture-resistant MDF is slightly more expensive but essential for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Standard MDF skirting: typically £1.50–£3.50 per metre depending on height and profile
- Moisture-resistant MDF skirting: typically £2.00–£4.50 per metre
- Factory-primed MDF skirting: adds a small premium but saves time and paint on site
Softwood / Pine Skirting Boards
Softwood skirting is widely available from builders' merchants and DIY stores. It's slightly cheaper than MDF at the lower end but requires more preparation and is prone to warping and movement.
- Softwood skirting: typically £1.00–£2.50 per metre
Hardwood Skirting Boards
Hardwood skirting (oak, walnut, etc.) is a premium option, typically used in high-end renovations or period properties where a natural wood finish is required.
- Hardwood skirting: typically £5.00–£15.00+ per metre depending on species and profile
Skirting Board Prices by Height
Taller skirting boards cost more per metre as they use more material. Common heights and approximate MDF price ranges:
| Height | Approx. Price per Metre (MDF) |
|---|---|
| 70mm | £1.50–£2.00 |
| 95mm | £1.80–£2.50 |
| 119mm | £2.00–£3.00 |
| 144mm | £2.50–£3.50 |
| 169mm | £3.00–£4.50 |
| 194mm+ | £3.50–£5.50+ |
How Much Skirting Board Do I Need?
To calculate how many metres of skirting board you need, measure the perimeter of each room and subtract the width of any doorways. Add 10–15% for waste from mitre cuts and offcuts. For a typical UK living room of around 4m x 5m, you'd need approximately 16–17 metres of skirting board.
Installation Costs
If you're hiring a tradesperson to fit your skirting boards, expect to pay:
- Carpenter / joiner day rate: £150–£250 per day in the UK (rates vary by region)
- Typical room: a skilled carpenter can fit skirting in an average room in 2–4 hours
- DIY fitting: MDF skirting is straightforward to fit yourself with basic tools — see our step-by-step fitting guide
Factory-Primed vs Unprimed: Is It Worth Paying More?
Factory-primed skirting boards cost a little more upfront but save significant time on site. The primer is applied under controlled conditions, giving better adhesion and a smoother base coat than site-applied primer. For most projects, factory-primed MDF is the better value choice when you factor in labour time saved.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
- Buy in bulk — longer lengths and larger orders typically attract better per-metre pricing
- Choose MDF over hardwood — for painted finishes, MDF gives an identical result at a fraction of the cost
- Opt for factory-primed — reduces on-site preparation time and paint consumption
- Measure accurately — precise measurements reduce waste and unnecessary offcuts
- Order direct from the manufacturer — cutting out the middleman gives better pricing and quality control
Order Skirting Boards Direct from Univers
At Univers Skirting & Architrave, we manufacture moisture-resistant MDF skirting boards in our Gosport facility and supply direct to homeowners, tradespeople, and developers across the UK. Order online for nationwide delivery, or visit our showroom to see the full range of profiles and heights in person.